Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Helen and Simon Knox, the husband-and-wife team behind Lewis Knox Interior and Architectural Design based in Cheshire, UK. In this episode, we explore the business of design from a UK perspective.

Helen and Simon share their journey from design school to launching their own design business, and they explain their approach to developing a multi-faceted business model—including the addition of a cabinetry studio. We also discuss the state of the design community in the UK and how their experience at the first Business of Interiors Community Summit has impacted the growth and development of their business.

Show Highlights:

• Launching a Design Business: The pivotal moment when Helen and Simon took the leap.
• Business Model Evolution: How they integrated cabinetry into their services.
• Challenges & Growth: Lessons learned from building and scaling a design team.
• UK Design Community: The importance of networking, pricing transparency, and industry collaboration.
• The Business of Interiors Summit: Insights gained and why events like these are shaping the UK design landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “We never set out to run a business together. It just evolved naturally, and when the opportunity presented itself, we had to take the leap.”
• “In the UK, no one teaches you how to run a business. Design school is all about creativity, but figuring out the financials, the processes, and the structure—that was something we had to learn ourselves.”
• “Owning a cabinetry studio allows us to control the quality and timelines, which makes our design process smoother and our clients happier.”

Supporting Resources:

• Learn More About Lewis Knox: Visit Their Website

• Follow Lewis Knox on Instagram: @lewisknox_

• Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Details & Tickets

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
• Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

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